NBA: Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Chicago Bulls visit the Milwaukee Bucks 24 hours after their win against Toronto. This is one of the most interesting and most influential matchups in the East because these two sides sit next to one another in the standings. Tonight’s result will have massive implications on the final order in the conference, with the end of the regular campaign just behind the corner. Milwaukee is the favorite because they play well and have a home-court advantage. The Bulls aren’t looking potent as they used to in the past, but still, are very dangerous, with an ability to beat any team in the league.

Preview

Chicago Bulls (42-29, +195) are in poor form, winning only three of the previous 10 games. We can say that the Bulls slowed down in the worst possible moment of the year, hurting their chances of having home-court advantage in, at least, the first rounds of the playoffs.

Though, the positive thing is that they beat the Raptors last night in Toronto. The Canadian team is in good shape, yet the Bulls routinely posted a victory here, 113-99. The reason for that was their solid defense on the three-point line, with the guests hitting just six of 32 shots from downtown.

DeRozan had 26 points, 11-for-14 from the field, with five boards, and his backcourt partner, Zach LaVine dropped the same number of points, with six boards and dimes. Nikola Vucevic was there to deliver a double-double with 19 buckets and 13 boards.

Milwaukee Bucks (44-27, -225) are chasing the second spot in the East, and they need to keep on winning in order to stay in the race. They could even attack the top seed but Miami needs to lose a couple of matches. Overall, Milwaukee is in great shape, having eight wins in the past 10 events.

Minnesota is back home after four straight events on the road, and during that stretch, they would win two and lose two games. The most recent was in Minneapolis, vs. Timberwolves, a 138-119 loss, but Giannis didn’t play in that one. The Greek Freak is expected to be ready for the matchup with the Bulls.

Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez had 15 points each, the same as Pat Connaughton, who entered off the bench. Jrue Holiday added 13, with seven assists, and Grayson Allen dropped 13.

Head to Head Games

There were two direct meetings before this one, and in both of them, the Bucks were better than the Bulls. The first game took place in Milwaukee, and the hosts won, 94-90, while the second at the United Center finished 118-112, also in their favor.

Prediction

We have no doubts that the Bucks are going to win here. Giannis should be back according to all the relevant sources, and he should be 100% ready. Now, the Bulls beat the Raptors because of Toronto’s poor shooting for three, don’t be fooled that it is because of something else. Billy Donovan’s unit is on the decline and they won’t have any chances of surprising the hosts, who are pretty ferocious once playing at home.

Pick: Bucks